For Jerry Conrey and his wife, Dr. Victoria Shook Conrey, the naming of Cal State Fullerton’s Center for Entrepreneurship in their honor represents a “launchpad for bold ideas.”
“We want this to be a place where students are encouraged to take risks, to learn from setbacks and to create ventures that make a difference in our communities,” Jerry Conrey said.
The university and the College of Business and Economics celebrated the naming of the Conrey Center for Entrepreneurship in recognition of the couple’s $4.5 million planned gift to support entrepreneurial students.
Campus members, students, alumni and supporters gathered in the college’s courtyard for the Oct. 2 naming ceremony.
Conrey said their bequest represents “wealth put into action.”
“If we are blessed with wealth, we must put it to work for the greater good,” said Conrey, founder and principal of Conrey Insurance Brokers and Risk Managers.
For almost 20 years, the Conreys have supported entrepreneurial education through scholarships and student mentorship.
Conrey noted that his wife, a retired physician, built her career in medicine and was dedicated to healing. His career focuses on insurance and risk management and he is committed to protecting.
“Together, our lives have been guided by the same values: service, care and leaving things better than we found them,” he said.
Conrey told students that the entrepreneurship center, established in 2001, is a place for them to challenge themselves.
“Surround yourself with people who push you to think bigger, persevere and to lead with purpose.”
CSUF President Ronald Rochon thanked the couple for their generosity, dedication to entrepreneurship education and years of service to the university and students.
“Today, we are honoring the vision and commitment that make this center for entrepreneurship possible,” he said.
Rochon said that the couple’s contributions have helped to nurture bold thinkers and doers. He also reminded students that “this moment is about you and understanding the significance of this kind of selfless giving.”
For their leadership, the president recognized Sri Sundaram, the college’s dean; John Bradley Jackson ’77, who recently retired from leading the entrepreneurship center over the past two decades; and center director Scott Taylor, assistant professor of management.
“Your work has built a foundation that will serve generations of students,” Rochon said.
Sundaram noted that the gift from the Conreys will provide the center with new opportunities and boost its impact on students.
“Thank you for your investment in our students,” Sundaram said to the couple. “Your gift will help change the lives of our students for years to come and will also have a meaningful impact on the Southern California entrepreneurial community.”
Student Enrique “Ricky” Guerrero, a business administration major focusing on entrepreneurship, received the 2025 Conrey Insurance Brokers and Risk Managers Entrepreneurial Scholarship. The $3,500 scholarship has supported 20 students over the years.
Guerrero relayed that his path to higher education was not easy, and he never imagined himself pursuing a college degree.
“The center has provided me with great mentors. They are all focused on improving my skill set, which has been critical to keeping my life on the right track,” he said.
In his closing remarks, Conrey challenged others to give back to help students like Guerrero.
“For Vicki and me, it’s both a privilege and a joy to give back to the place that gave us so much. The best return on investment we can ever make is in people,” he said.
“So, here’s my risk management advice: Invest in people. It has the highest return, is guaranteed and has no fine print, exclusions or deductibles.”